Sense of Coherence, Perceived Stress Reactivity and Psychological Wellbeing among Rescue Workers: Role of Psychological Capital

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship between sense of coherence, perceived stress reactivity with psychological wellbeing among rescue workers, along with moderating role of psychological capital. It was hypothesized that there will be a positive relationship of sense of coherence, and negative relationship of perceived stress reactivity with psychological wellbeing of rescue workers. Similarly, psychological capital was hypothesized to act as a moderator between study variable. It was hypothesized that a sense of coherences will be positively associated with age. Psychological wellbeing and sense of coherence will be negatively associated to monthly income. The sample consisted of 241 rescue workers from Islamabad and Rawalpindi stations. The instruments used for assessment were orientation to life questionnaire (Jibeen & Khalid in 2010), perceived stress reactivity scale (developed by Scholtz et al. (2011); translated in Urdu by researcher by using the guidelines of WHO), Mental health continuum scale shorter version (faran et al., 2021), and psychological capital scale (Luthans et al. in 2007 and translated by mind garden). The results revealed a significant positive relationship of sense of coherence, and significant negative relationship of perceived stress reactivity with psychological wellbeing of rescue workers. Perceived stress reactivity and sense of coherence was significantly negatively moderated by psychological capital (hope). Results revealed that sense of coherence increases with age and is negatively associated with monthly income. This study has ecological implications for policymakers and human resource managers to develop intervention and training programs based upon positive psychological resources to promote the job performance, and therefore improve the mental health of rescue worker operating in challenging environment.